Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) conference in Tokyo, Japan, in August and found it most invigorating to learn about programs and discussions from around the world. Thirty-three countries were represented at the conference and it was fascinating to be exposed to the diversity and different perspectives, as well as the challenges and endless enthusiasm for learning, found in all school libraries. This issue of the journal boasts two articles on new initiatives at IASL, an online PD library, and a collection of country profiles; perhaps they will encourage you to become more involved with the peak body of our profession internationally. Next year the conference will be in August at Long Beach State University of California and the theme will be Learning Without Borders (IASL 2017) , a most relevant theme from many angles.
With this edition we publish, yet again, a range of articles across varied topics relevant to our profession, including space design, visible learning and guided inquiry, reading research, educational apps and collaboration; articles that we hope are thought-provoking and useful, challenging and supportive. If something in the journal inspires a thought or an idea, do not hesitate to get in touch. We would love feedback of any kind about the content. Perhaps you may be inspired to write an article in response, or just a simple note of comment; either would be most welcome.
During 2016, we have been very lucky to have Dr Barbara Combes from CSU writing the Reflections and Actions section of the journal. Barbara has brought to the journal a wonderful mix of theory and practice that I know readers will have found most useful. We thank Barbara for taking the time from her hectic University timetable to be our guest contributor.
With this issue we farewell Miffy Farquarhson from the role of regular contributor to the journal section – Online Life. Miffy joined us from the second issue of Synergy in 2014, and her articles have been informative, timely and very personable; it has been fantastic having her engage with aspects of our technological world in the column. A new role at a different school will take up her time in 2017 and we wish her all the best for this exciting adventure.
As this year comes to an end, we look forward to 2017 and creating school libraries that support, enrich and challenge the learning within our communities. As we plan for next year’s editions of the journal, we welcome suggestions about areas you’d like us to explore. What area of our profession do we need to reflect on, engage with and investigate? Let us know – we are happy to commission content to meet your needs.
Dr Susan La Marca
Editor
synergy@slav.org.au